Applicator for Cosmetic Product and Associated Applicator Assembly

ABSTRACT

An applicator ( 10 ) for cosmetic product has a core ( 12 ) and a plurality of protrusions ( 30 ) projecting from the core ( 12 ). At least one of the protrusions ( 30 ) is in the form of a plate ( 31 ). The plate ( 31 ) is connected to the core ( 12 ) by a reinforcing region ( 32 ) has a radius of curvature (r 32 ) which is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to French Patent Application No. 1558763 filed Sep. 17, 2015. The present application claims priority to and the benefit the above-identified application, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an applicator for cosmetic product and to an associated applicator assembly.

BACKGROUND

Applicator assemblies for cosmetic product are known, in particular for cosmetic product which is intended to be applied to eyelashes such as mascara, comprising a receptacle containing the cosmetic product, and an applicator which is capable of being detachably attached to the receptacle.

The receptacle generally comprises a body, the body comprising walls defining a container in which the cosmetic product is contained, and a neck defining an opening through which the cosmetic product can be extracted.

The applicator assembly generally comprises a cap which is capable of being attached to the neck, a rod extending from the cap, and an applicator which is attached to a free end of the rod. The applicator comprises a core and a plurality of protrusions extending from the core for loading the eyelashes with mascara and combing them.

When the cap is attached to the neck, the rod and the applicator extend inside the container. The applicator is immersed in the cosmetic product contained in the container.

In order to use the applicator, the user detaches the cap from the neck and extracts the applicator from the receptacle. The neck generally comprises a wiper which is intended to scrape off the excess cosmetic product picked up by the applicator. Said wiper has, for this purpose, an opening having a diameter which is less than that of the envelope formed by the free ends of the protrusions of the applicator. The user is thus, sometimes, led to force the applicator to pass through the wiping opening. Removing the applicator from the receptacle can thus cause damage to the protrusions of the applicator, in particular when said protrusions are in the form of plates.

SUMMARY

The present invention is intended to solve the following problem: proposing an applicator which comprises at least one protrusion in the form of a plate which is not at risk of being damaged during the use of said applicator.

Thus, aspects of the invention relate to an applicator for cosmetic product comprising a core and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core, at least one of said protrusions being in the form of a plate.

According to aspects of the invention, said plate is connected to the core by a reinforcing region having a radius of curvature which is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.

Said reinforcing region forms a reinforced connection between the plate and the core so as to rigidly connect the plate to the core. Thus, the protrusion in the form of a plate of the applicator from the invention is not at risk of being damaged during the use thereof, in particular because the connection thereof to the core is a reinforced connection.

According to different embodiments of the invention, which can be taken together or separately:

-   -   the radius of curvature in the reinforcing region is, in         addition, less than 2 mm,     -   the core extends in a main longitudinal extension direction,         which is referred to as the main direction,     -   said protrusions project in a direction which is substantially         perpendicular to said main direction and which is referred to as         the radial direction,     -   the radius of curvature of said reinforcing region is measured         in a plane comprising said main direction,     -   the core, said plate and said reinforcing region are moulded         together,     -   said plate and said reinforcing region are formed so as to be         integral,     -   the core, said plate and said reinforcing region are formed so         as to be integral,     -   the core, said plate and said reinforcing region are made of         plastics material,     -   the applicator from the invention comprises two reinforcing         regions for said plate, said two reinforcing regions being         positioned, along said main direction, on either side of said         plate,     -   said plurality of protrusions comprises a plurality of plates         which are distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of         plates,     -   each of said plates is connected to the core by at least one of         said reinforcing regions,     -   said circumferential rows of plates succeed one another along         the main direction,     -   the circumferential rows of plates succeed one another along the         main direction whilst being angularly offset,     -   said plurality of protrusions further comprises protrusions in         the form of tapered teeth,     -   said teeth are rectilinear,     -   said teeth are distributed in a plurality of circumferential         rows of teeth, said circumferential rows succeeding one another         along the main direction,     -   the circumferential rows of teeth succeed one another along the         main direction whilst being angularly offset, in particular from         one of the circumferential rows of teeth to the next,     -   said teeth each have a semi-circular cross section forming a         planar surface, and are positioned in such a way that the planar         surfaces of two consecutive teeth from the same circumferential         row are oriented in the same direction of rotation,     -   said teeth are formed so as to be integral with the core,     -   the circumferential rows of plates alternate, along the main         direction, with the circumferential rows of teeth, in particular         one circumferential row of plates alternates, along the main         direction, with two circumferential rows of teeth,     -   the core is solid,     -   the applicator forms a brush.

Aspects of the invention also relate, advantageously, to an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle comprising a body forming a container which is intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator of the type described above, which is capable of being fixed to the receptacle in such a way that the applicator is accommodated inside the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, features and advantages thereof will become clearer throughout the following detailed explanatory description of at least one embodiment of the invention given by way of purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of an applicator according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows the cross section which is labelled A-A in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows the cross section which is labelled B-B in FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 shows the cross section which is labelled C-C in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a portion of the applicator shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a slightly tilted isometric view of the embodiment of an applicator from FIG. 1 which has been cut along the main longitudinal extension direction thereof,

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that in FIG. 7, the applicator having been cut at another point of said main longitudinal extension direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY ASPECTS

As shown in the drawings, aspects of the invention relate to an applicator 10 for cosmetic product, comprising a core 12 and a plurality of protrusions 30 projecting from the core 12. “Protrusions 30 projecting from the core 12” is understood to mean protrusions of which the base is located in the region of the core 12 and which extend towards an opposite, free end.

It should be noted that the free ends of said protrusions 30 outline an envelope E, in particular when the applicator 10 from the invention is viewed from the front (see FIG. 1).

As shown in the drawings, the core 12 extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, which is referred to as the main direction and labelled X. In this case, the core 12 is shown as being solid. Said core can also be hollow without departing from the scope of the invention. The core 12 advantageously has a circular cross section, which is substantially constant along said main direction X. Said core can also have a polygonal cross section without departing from the scope of the invention. By way of example, the core 12 has a diameter d12 of between 3 and 4 mm; in this case, the core which is shown has a diameter d12 of approximately 3.40 mm (see FIG. 2).

The dimensions of the cross section of the core 12 can also vary along said main direction X without departing from the scope of the invention.

It should be noted that said protrusions 30 preferably project in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to said main direction X and which is referred to as the radial direction and labelled Y in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5.

At least one of said protrusions 30 is in the form of a plate 31. A “plate” is understood to mean a substantially planar protrusion, that is to say a protrusion which extends radially from the core 12 whilst having a width in a given plane which is radial to said main direction X, and two opposing faces on either side of said plane, said two faces being spaced apart by a thickness e31 (see FIG. 4). By way of example, the thickness e31 of said plate 31, which is measured along said main direction X, can be between 0.25 and 1.25 mm. Said thickness is for example approximately 0.50 mm.

In other words, the plate 31 has a base which occupies an angular space of the periphery of the core 12 which is between 10 and 80 degrees. The plate 31 can be in the shape of a petal (see FIG. 2, 5, 7 or 8) or in the shape of a triangle, or even in the shape of a quadrilateral having a width which is substantially constant from the base to the free end thereof.

In other words again, the plate 31 is a protrusion having a cross section which is in the shape of an oblong, that is to say longer than it is wide (cross section not shown here).

According to aspects of the invention relate, said plate 31 is connected to the core 12 by a reinforcing region 32 having a radius of curvature r32 which is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm. A “reinforcing region” is understood to mean a region acting as a root between the core 12 and the plate 31. In other words, the reinforcing region 32 corresponds to an addition of material which makes it possible to rigidify the connection between the core 12 and the plate 31, in particular in the region of the base of said plate 31 (see FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 7 and 8).

FIGS. 7 and 8 show this connection in detail, in particular the delimitation between the core 12, the reinforcing region 32 and the plate 31. The base of the plate 31 is denoted by the label 31′ in FIGS. 7 and 8, said label 31′ denoting a ridge in these drawings. The reinforcing region 32 starts from the core 12, which in this case is cylindrical. The plate 31 is not directly connected to the cylindrical core 12. The plate 31 is, advantageously, connected to the reinforcing region 32 in the region of said base 31′.

A “radius of curvature” is understood to mean the radius of the circle, also referred to as the osculating circle, which is “most tangent” to a curve. The radius of curvature of the reinforcing region is therefore the radius of the osculating circle of a curve formed by the reinforcing region. A “radius of curvature r32 which is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm” is understood to mean a radius of curvature which is substantially approximately, for example, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm or any other value between 0.3 and 2 mm. Said reinforcing region 32 is thus rounded and has a slight, tilted slope which can be used to pick up and retain a substantial amount of cosmetic product, in particular during a passage of said applicator 10 through a wiper as mentioned in the preamble.

Secondly, the radius of curvature r32 of said reinforcing region 32 is measured in a plane comprising said main direction X. This means that the radius of curvature r32 of said reinforcing region can be seen in particular when the applicator from the invention is viewed from the front (see FIG. 1, 4, 6, 7 or 8). In other words, the radius of curvature r32 can be measured in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6, which are the drawings showing the applicator 10, from the front, in the plane of the sheet, which plane comprises said main direction X.

It should be noted that the core 12 is advantageously a moulded core, in particular made of plastics material. The core 12 and the protrusions 30 are advantageously moulded together, in particular having the reinforcing regions 32 which are specific to each plate 31. This means that the protrusions and/or the reinforcing regions 32 can be overmoulded on the core 12, or formed so as to be integral with the core 12. For example, the core 12, the protrusions 30 and the reinforcing regions 32 can be moulded from an LDPE (low-density polyethylene)-based material. Other materials can also be used, namely the material “EXACT” from ExxonMobil or the material “HYTREL” from Dupont, or a mixture of said materials.

It should be noted in this case that there are two reinforcing regions 32 for the same plate 31, said two reinforcing regions 32 being positioned, along said main direction X, on either side of said plate 31 (see in particular FIGS. 6, 7 and 8).

In other words, the reinforcing region 32 makes the connection between the core 12 and the plate 31, and this region can be considered to be double; i.e. there is a reinforcing region 32 which has two opposing radii of curvature on either side of a plane containing the plate 31.

The plates 31, thus reinforced, have an increased rigidity, in particular with respect to the plates 31 which would be connected to the core 12 by means of a single reinforcement 32.

In other words again, the reinforcing region 32 has at least one radius of curvature in the case in which the plate 31 is connected to the core 12 by a radius of curvature on one side and a right angle on the other side, or by two opposing radii of curvature, as mentioned above.

Said protrusions 30 are composed of a plurality of plates 31 and a plurality of tapered teeth 33. A “tapered tooth 33” is understood to be a protrusion having a thin base. In other words, a tooth referred to as a tapered tooth has a base which occupies an angular space of the periphery of the core 12 that is a unit, or even a few units, of degrees. Said teeth 33 are provided so as to be rectilinear and each have a semi-circular cross section, thus forming a planar surface, which is labelled F33 in FIG. 3. Said teeth 33 are preferably formed so as to be integral with the core 12.

Furthermore, in this case, said plates 31 are distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of plates 31, each of said plates 31 being connected to the core 12 by at least one of said reinforcing regions 32. Said circumferential rows of plates succeed one another along the main direction X.

FIG. 2 shows one of said circumferential rows of plates 31. It can be seen that, in the example shown here, there are 6 of said plates 31, which are equidistant from one another. Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, said plates 31 have an angular spacing α of 60 degrees therebetween. This example is non-limiting, and said angular spacing α can be between 30 degrees (12 plates per circumferential row) and 45 degrees (4 plates per circumferential row) without departing from the scope of the invention.

By way of example, each plate 31 can be in the shape of a petal having a width 131 of between 1 and 2 mm, for example of approximately 1.5 mm (see FIG. 2). In addition, the distribution of the plates 31 with respect to one another within the same circumferential row makes it possible to create gaps 34 which are capable of picking up and retaining the cosmetic product.

The circumferential rows of plates 31 which succeed one another along the main direction X form an envelope E1 with the free ends of said plates 31 (see FIG. 2). In this case, the envelope E1 has a cylindrical shape which is substantially constant along the main direction X. Said envelope E1 has, in this case, a diameter of approximately 8 mm for example.

The applicator 10 from the invention further has a proximal end 13 which is extended by a cylindrical coupling 15 with no protrusions. Said cylindrical coupling 15 is intended to cooperate with a rod (not shown). The end opposite said proximal end 13, along the main direction X, is referred to as the distal end 14.

The envelope E1 has a frustoconical shape in the vicinity of said distal end 14, in particular to allow precise make-up application in regions which are difficult to access, such as the corner of a user's eyes. The frustoconical shape of the envelope E1 is provided by the free ends of the plates 31 belonging to the circumferential rows labelled R1-R3 in FIGS. 1 and 5.

It should be noted that, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8, the circumferential rows of plates 31 succeed one another along the main direction X whilst being angularly offset. In other words, an angular offset between two successive circumferential rows along the main direction X is provided, in particular having an angular value of approximately half of the angle a described above. For example, in this case, the successive circumferential rows of plates 31 are offset by 30 degrees. It is possible to provide an angular offset between two successive circumferential rows that has an angular value of approximately a third of said angle α (20 degrees) without departing from the scope of the invention.

Said angular offset has the advantage of creating loading regions, between said circumferential rows of plates 31, along the main direction X, which enhance the possible make-up applications provided by the applicator 10 from the invention.

Advantageously, the teeth 33 are also distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of teeth 33. Said rows succeed one another along the main direction X. In particular, the circumferential rows of teeth 33 succeed one another along the main direction X whilst being angularly offset, in particular from one of the circumferential rows of teeth to the next.

By way of example, the teeth 33 are spaced apart, within the same circumferential row, by an angle β of approximately 60 degrees (see FIG. 3). This example is non-limiting, and said angular spacing β can be between 30 degrees (12 teeth per circumferential row) and 45 degrees (4 teeth per circumferential row) without departing from the scope of the invention.

The free ends of said circumferential rows of teeth 33 form an envelope E2 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the envelope E2 has a cylindrical shape which is substantially constant along the main direction X, and has a diameter of for example approximately 8 mm.

The envelope E2 further has a frustoconical shape in the vicinity of said distal end 14, in particular to allow precise make-up application in regions which are difficult to access, such as the corner of a user's eyes. Said frustoconical shape of the envelope E2 is provided by the free ends of the teeth 33 belonging to the circumferential rows near said distal end 14.

In the context of the example shown here, the envelope E1, which is formed by the circumferential rows of plates 31, and the envelope E2, which is formed by the circumferential rows of teeth 33, are combined to form the same envelope E.

The respective diameters of said two envelopes E1, E2 can also be provided with different values without departing from the scope of the invention, so as to achieve additional make-up application effects due to the interlocking of two envelopes E1, E2 one inside the other.

Advantageously, in this case, the teeth 33 are positioned in such a way that the planar surfaces F33 of two consecutive teeth 33 from the same circumferential row are oriented in the same direction of rotation in order to facilitate moulding.

It should be noted that the circumferential rows of plates 31 alternate, along the main direction X, with the circumferential rows of teeth 33. It can be provided to alternate a circumferential row of each type, regularly, one after the other, along said main direction X. It can also be provided to alternate said rows irregularly along said main direction X without departing from the scope of the invention.

In this case, the circumferential rows of plates 31 alternate, along the main direction X, with the circumferential rows of teeth 33.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred alternation. As can be seen in this drawing, said preferred alternation comprises, from left to right, the following succession of rows:

-   -   a circumferential row of plates 31 forming a first pattern M1;         then     -   two circumferential rows of teeth 33 which are angularly offset         with respect to one another, for example by an angle of 30         degrees, thus forming a second pattern m2; then     -   a circumferential row of plates 31 forming a third pattern M3,         the plates 31 of said row being angularly offset with respect to         the plates 31 of the row forming the first pattern M1, for         example by an angle of 30 degrees; then     -   two circumferential rows of teeth 33 which are angularly offset         with respect to one another, thus forming a fourth pattern m4.         The teeth 33 which form this fourth pattern are, advantageously,         a symmetrical image of the teeth forming the second pattern m2         with respect to a plane formed by the row of plates 31 which are         inserted between said second pattern m2 and said fourth pattern         m4 (said row of inserted plates 31 forming said third pattern         M3); then     -   a circumferential row of plates 31 repeating said first pattern         M1; and so on.

The alternation of the patterns M1, m2, M3 and m4, which is shown in detail in FIG. 6, has the advantage of proposing an applicator which has varying make-up application effects, which alternate, along said main direction X, without the user realising. This alternation of make-up application effects has the advantage of loading the user's eyelashes in a consistent manner, in particular by means of loading regions which are scattered along said main direction X, in particular in the region of the patterns m2 and m4.

It should also be noted that the applicator 10 advantageously forms a brush.

It should also be noted that aspects of the invention also relate to an applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising a receptacle (not shown) comprising a body forming a container which is intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator 10 of the type described above which is capable of being fixed to the receptacle in such a way that the applicator 10 is accommodated inside the container.

It should also be noted that variants are of course possible. In particular, it is also conceivable, in additional embodiments, for the circumferential rows of plates and/or teeth to occupy only a portion of the angular periphery of the core. 

1. Applicator for cosmetic product comprising a core and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the core, at least one of said protrusions being in the form of a plate, said plate being connected to the core by a reinforcing region having a radius of curvature which is greater than or equal to 0.3 mm.
 2. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core extends in a main longitudinal extension direction, which is referred to as the main direction (X), and wherein said protrusions project in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to said main direction, which is referred to as the radial direction (Y), the radius of curvature of said reinforcing region being measured in a plane comprising said main direction (X).
 3. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein the core, said plate and said reinforcing region are moulded together.
 4. Applicator according to claim 3, wherein said plate and said reinforcing region are formed so as to be integral.
 5. Applicator according to claim 4, wherein the core, said plate and said reinforcing region are formed so as to be integral.
 6. Applicator according to claim 2, comprising two reinforcing regions for said plate, said two reinforcing regions being positioned, along said main direction (X), on either side of said plate.
 7. Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of protrusions comprises a plurality of plates distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of plates, each of said plates being connected to the core by at least one of said reinforcing regions, said circumferential rows of plates succeeding one another along the main direction (X).
 8. Applicator according to claim 7, wherein said plurality of protrusions further comprises protrusions in the form of tapered teeth, said teeth being distributed in a plurality of circumferential rows of teeth, said circumferential rows succeeding one another along the main direction (X).
 9. Applicator according to claim 8, wherein the circumferential rows of plates alternate, along the main direction (X), with the circumferential rows of teeth.
 10. Applicator assembly for cosmetic product, comprising: a receptacle comprising a body forming a container which is intended to contain the cosmetic product, and an applicator according to claim 1 which is capable of being attached to the receptacle in such a way that the applicator is accommodated inside the container. 